Typewriter mechanism



Sept. 13, 1938 H. E. PAGE TYPEWRITER MECHANISM Filed Oct. 8, 1936 5Sheets-Sheet l 1 NVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

' H. E. PAGE TYPEWRITER MECHANI SM Sept. 13, 1938.

s Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 8, 1936 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

Sept. 13, 1938. H. E. PAGE 2,129,866

TYPEWRITER MECHANISM Filed Oct. 8, 1936 4 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 4-3 56 4 4 4owfi/wa 5/ 4 F I 50 48 4f p92 ATTORNEY.

Patented Sept. 13, 1938 UNlTED STATES PATENT OFFICE 18 Claims.

This invention relates to typewriting machines or mechanisms fortypewriting machines, and has for its general object a particularlysimple power operated typewriter mechanism which re- 5 quiressubstantially the same technique on the part of the operator and has thesame feel as a manual machine.

Typewriting is essentially a manual operation involving use of all thefingers. However, the

10 strength of the various fingers varies, and also there is a tendencyfor some of the fingers to move in unison. The variations cause changesin striking pressure or impact on the typewriter roll and causeununiformity in the writing or 16 cause some letters to appear strongerthan others. The power typewriters heretofore used take away from theoperator any feel to control over the amount of impact, so that when akey is depressed, the type head strikes the paper on the 20 roll, and animpression is made at some point during the downward movement of thekey. This operation produces an even writing, but also it takes awayfrom the operator, the feel to which she hasbecome accustomed inwriting.

25 Furthermore, delicate operations, such as corrections in the middleof a sentence already written, where it is necessary to locate two ormore lettors in a space formerly occupied by one, and any other somewhatintricate manipulations of 30 the type requiring practice and skill areimpossible, if the operator has no control over the operation of thetype bar other than having the type bar suddenly strike the paper withthe impact given it by the power.

35 It also has for its object a power typewriter in which the type barscan be operated directly from the key lever, as an ordinary manualtypewriter, r with any amount of power applied by the motor, from zeroto maximum, to supple- 40 ment the force applied by the operator, sothat an operator used to using a manual machine can quickly becomeaccustomed to the power machine by first starting in with zero or littlepower and gradually increasing it, until she adapts her- 5 self to themachine or adapts the machine to herself or to her technique, speed,proficiency and mental reaction.

It also has for its object a power typewriter mechanism in which thekeys or key levers have a 50 predetermined dip in order to energize themotor and in which the motor may be ole-energized in the event theoperator does not give the key the predetermined dip, or a mechanism inwhich the key operated mechanism has a follow-up 55 movement relativelyto the motor or the motion key with one of the other fingers.

transmitting connections operated thereby, as the key is being depresseda predetermined amount or dip, so that if the 'key is not given thepredetermined dip, or the pressure of the finger on the key isdiscontinued before comple- 5 tion of the dip, the follow-up movementdoes not take place, and the motor, which is being energized by thedipping of the key, will be deenergized before the type head strikes,all whereby the power operated typewriter has something of the same feeland operation as the manual typewriter.-

Itfurther has for its object a typewriter mechanism embodying a normallyidle motor or motor means, preferably an electro-responsive motor, as amagnet or solenoid, which is controlled in its operation by thedepression of the key levers and which actuates the selected type barthrough motion transmitting means including a universal bar actuated bythe motor, when energized, and coupling members individual to each ofthe type bars or key levers and operable by the key levers into couplingrelation to the universal bar; and it further has for its objectprogressively operated relays or switch means controlled in theirprogressive operation by depression of the key levers, the firstoperated switch or relay being operated by the touch depression of thekey lever and serving to 'close the circuit that partly energizes themotor and usually insufficiently to actuate the key bar through themotion transmitting connections, and the second switch or relayoperating toclose the circuit which supplies the motor with a strongercurrent sufficiently to actuate the motor with more force, and henceactuate the selected type bar through the motion transmittingconnections.

The circuit closed by the second relay includes a variable resistancewhich may be set' from zero to maximum to energize the motor various de-40 grees to apply various degrees of force to the selected type bar.

The purpose of the successively operated switches or relays, one ofwhich is operated by a lighttouch depression of the key levers topartially energize the motor to initially delay the actuation of thetype bar, is to give the operator 2. chance to remove a finger orfingers from keys that are inadvertently partially depressed. For

instance, the operator in striking an intended 0 key with one finger mayinadvertently touch a She instantly knows of this occurrence, and themomentarily delaying action gives the operators mental action ofwithdrawing the unintended finger, timeto reis fully energized.

Four difierent modifications of relays are shown for efiecting thisresult. All forms of relays are controlled by the depression of the keylever.

In my typewriter mechanism, all the functions that can be performed bythe typist on the ordinary typewriter can be performed on the powertypewriter, as the impact given to the key can be controlled from zeroto maximum, and also the location at which a correction is to be madecan be determined, the same as in a manual typewriter, before the impactis given, either manually or by power. Also, in case of break-down, ineither the electrical or power supply, or any of the power mechanism, mytypewriter can be operated as a manual typewriter. Also, in mytypewriter mechanism, the operator or typist has at all times the feelof the impact or force which she instantly can vary to suit her desire,and also the typist can operate the machine at will, as an ordinary, oras a power machine. Also, the power can .be varied through graduatedstages to suit the technique and skill of the operator.

The invention consists in the novel features and in the combinations andconstructions hereinafter set forth and claimed.

In describing this invention, reference is had to the accompanyingdrawings in which like characters designate corresponding parts in allthe views.

Figure 1 is a fragmentary isometric view, partly in section, of atypewriter embodying my invention.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view of a modified form of key lever operatedmotor control and follow-up means shown in Figure Figure 3 is afragmentary view similar to parts seen in Figure 1 showing a differentform of key lever operated motor control mechanism for effooting theprogressive energization of the motor.

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2 with the form of key leveroperated motor control mechanism shown in Figure 4.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary View similar to Figure 4 of a modification ofthe motor control mechanism shown in Figure 4.

Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 are diagrammatic views of the motor controlmechanism shown in Figures 1, 3, 5 and 6.

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view showing the motor consisting of a pairof balanced solenoids instead of a single solenoid shown in Figure 1 andthe key lever operated motor control therefor.

This typewriter mechanism comprises, generally, a plurality of keylevers and type bars corresponding thereto, a motor, and preferably anormally idle electro-responsive motor, as a ma'g' net or solenoid,motion transmitting connections between the motor or the movable memberthereof and the type bars including members operated by the key leversrespectively, and motor control means operated by the depression of thekey levers to cause the selected type bar to be actuated by the motor,through the motion transmitting connections, an amount corresponding tothe amount of depression or dip given the key lever, so that if the keylever is not depressed its full amount or a predetermined dip, the motorwill be de-energized, or so that when the motor is energized by thepartial depression of a key lever, the key lever must be furtherdepressed to follow up the movement of the motion transmittingconnections actuated by the motor, all whereby the force to actuate thetype bar is applied from the motor but is controlled by the follow-upmovement of the key lever. It also preferably comprises means wherebythe initial touch depression of the key levers causes the motor to bepartly energized insuificiently to actuate the'type bar and to befurther energized sufficiently to actuate the selected type bar uponfurther depression of the key lever.

I have here shown a conventional type of key bar or lever and typebarmechanism.

6 designates the key bars or levers, each having a key 2 at its frontend and pivotally mounted on a shaft3 which is common to all the keylevers. Each key lever has an upwardly extending angular arm 4 and arearwardly extending arm 5.

B designates the type bars having type heads I, the type bars beingpivoted at 8.

9 is a lever arm rotatably or loosely mounted on the shaft 3 andextending upwardly radially relatively to the shaft 3 and connected tothe key lever I through a lost-motion-connection to be described, to beactuated thereby. It is actuated from the key lever through the arm 4,which has a shoulder, as an adjustable set screw ID, for abuttingagainst the lever arm 9 and actuating it, when the arm 4 has beenactuated a short predetermined distance by the key lever. Thisconstitutes the lost-motion-connection between the key lever and thetype bar, whereby the type bar actuates the key lever in the usual way,when no power is used, so that the typewriter may be operated as anordinary manual typewriter. The small lost motion between the set screwIII and the lever 9 is for a purpose hereinafter explained, when thetypewriter is being used as a power machine.

II designates the motor, this being preferably a normally idle orde-energized motor, in contradistinction to a constantly running motor.It is here shown as a solenoid, the core I2 of which is a movable memberand actuates the type bar through motion transmitting connections. Thesemotion transmitting connections include coupling members I3 individualto the key levers I and the corresponding type bars '6, one couplingmember for each key lover or type bar, and a universal member, or whatfor the sake of brevity and convenience in the specification and claimsis called a universal bar I4, common to all the coupling members andconnected to the movable member or core I2 of the solenoid to beactuated thereby. Each coupling member I3 is here shown as carried bythe arm 9 of each key and type bar mechanism, and as pivoted at I5thereto, and normally heldout of position to be engaged by the universalbar I4 by a spring I6. These coupling members I3 are actuated by thearms 4 of the key levers I. Each arm 4 is provided with a secondadjustable shoulder or abutment II similar to the abutment or shoulderII], the abutment I1 thrusting against an angular arm I8 on eachcoupling member I3. When the key lever I is depressed, the arm 4 movingtherewith will tilt the corresponding coupling member I 3 downwardlyagainst the spring I 6 into position to be engaged by the universal barI4, when the solenoid II is energized. In theevent the solenoid is notenergized or the machine is being used as a manual machine, the shoulderor abutment III will have taken up the lost motion between it and thelever arm 9 and will actuate the corresponding type bar 6. The lostmotion is for the purpose of permitting the coupling member I3 tobe'moved into operative relation to the type bar II, when the machine isbeing used as a power machine. The universal bar I4 is here shown ascarried by crank arms I9 on a shaft 20 suitably supported in the frameof the machine, these crank arms extending upwardly so that theuniversal bar moves in practically a horizontal plane. The

.movement of the universal bar I4 is against the action of a retractingspring 2! which normally holds the universal bar or the arms I9 againsta stop or stops 22 on the frame of the machine. The shaft 20 or one ofthe crank arms I9 is provided with a rearwardly extending lever arm 23to which the core I2 of the solenoid is connected, as by a link 24.

Each arm 3 is connected to the hub of its comanion type bar through apin-and-slot connecion 25 permitting the type bar to flip ahead of thelever arm 9. The type bar 6 and the pin-andslot connection per se formno part of this invention, and any type of mechanism transferring motionto the type bar may be used, in so far as the principal aspects of myinvention are concerned.

As thus far described, depression of the key lever I actuates thecompanion arm 9 to move the companion coupling member I3 downwardlyagainst the returning sprin'g I6 and move the end 26 thereof intoconfronting relation with the universal bar I4, and also energizes thesolenoid I I. When the universal bar I4 is moved forwardly or to theleft (Figure l), the universal bar through the coupling member I3actuates the lever 9, which in turn actuates the type bar 6 to carry thetype head up toward the platen or roll P.

The means (Figure 1) for causing the energization of the motor orsolenoid II upon depression of the key lever includes what for brevityssake is called a universal bar 21 with which the rear ends of the leverarms coact, the universal bar 21 being common to all the lever arms 5,and switches or controls operated by the bar.

The universal bar 21 is here shown as mounted to be moved in an upwarddirection about an axis. It is shown as carried by a bracket 28 pivotedat 29 to the lever arm 23 of the connections for the universal bar I4and as adjustable in proper relation to the ends of the lever arms 5,asby set screws 38. The pivotal movement of the bracket 28 is againstthe action of a returning spring 3|. In so far as the connection betweenthe core I2 of the solenoid II and the universal bar I! is concerned,there may be but one arm 23, and in so far as supporting the universalbar 21 or the bracket 28 thereof is concerned, there are two additionalarms similar to the arms 23, to which the brackets 28 are pivoted at 29.The universal bar 21 is here shown as tiltingly or pivotally connectedto the bracket or'bracket 28, as by pivots 32, and the adjusting screws38 are located above and below the pivot, in order to tilt the universalbar 21 about its pivot 32 to such a degree that a cam surface 34 thereonwill coact properly with the end of the lever arm 5 or rollers 35 at theends of the arms 5.

In Figure 1, the controls for the solenoid II are operated by theuniversal bar 21. As shown in Figure 1, these consist of successivelyoperable contacts 38, 31 movable with the bracket 28 and paired withcontacts 38 and 39 carried by and movable with the lever arm 23 whichtransmits the movement of the core l2 of the solenoid II to theuniversal bar I4. The contacts 38, 39 are connected to the windings ofthe solenoid II. The contacts 36, 31 are connected in feed circuits. Thecontacts 36, 31 constitute one section of a motor controlor switch,which section is shiftable by the key levers into engagement with thecontacts 38, 39. The contacts 38, 39 constitute another sectionshiftable by the core I2 or some part, as the lever 23, actuatedthereby, in a direction away from the contacts 36, 31.

Upon depression of the key lever I, the arm 5 will be actuated to engagethe roller 35 with the universal bar 21, causing the bracket 28 to tiltabout its pivot 29, bringing the contacts 36, 38 into engagement, andthus close a feed circuit to the windings of the solenoid II. Thecurrent supplied is relatively weak and only partly energizes thesolenoid, preferably insufilciently to cause it to move its core I2.This movement of the lever I also shifts the coupling member I3 intoconfronting relation with the universal bar iii. If during this partialdip of the key lever, the operator has inadvertently depressed anotherkey, there is a chance for her fingers to react to withdraw the fingerfrom the key not intended to be depressed. Further dip of the key leverI causes the lever 5 to further tilt the universal bar 21 and itsbracket 28 about the axis 29 to bring the contact 31 into engagementwith the contact 39, cutting in a strong current to energize thesolenoid sufliciently for it to actuate the core I2, the lever arms 23and I9 and the universal bar I8, causing the universal bar It to actuatethe selected type bar through the coupling member I3 of the companionkey lever I. As the core I2 of the solenoid moves upwardly, moving thelever arm 23 therewith, it also shifts the contacts 38' and 39 upwardly,so that if the operator does not continue to depress the key leverthrough the predetermined dip, the contact 31 will separate from thecontact 39' and hence the motor will be de-energized and the universalbar I4 stopped in its actuating movement. The solenoid will continue tobe partly energized through the contacts 36 and 3 8. A weak flip ormomentum may have been given to the selected type bar 6 through thepin-and-slot connection 25, but the force sufficient to make animpression on the paper on the platen P will have been weakened. Hence,

the removal of the typists fingers from the key while the key is onlypartially operated will cut out the power mechanism, and the action ofthe typewriter mechanism is similar to that of the manual or non-poweroperated machine.

Also, an important feature of the invention is means for regulating theamount of boost or power applied by the solenoid II, and means isprovided for adjusting the power so applied from zero to maximum. Thismeans is a variable resistance located in the feed line closed by thecontacts 31 and 39.

Referring to Figure 6, 40 designates the variable resistance, which isadjustable to supply current of various strengths to the windings of thesolenoid.' Thus, the operator by adjusting the variable resistance cancut out all the power, so that the machine acts as a manual machine, oradjust the variable resistance, so that less than full power of themotor or solen0id is used to boostthe manual operation, or cut in fullpower. Also, as seen in Figure 6, there is an additional variableresistance M in the circuit controlled by the contacts 36, '38. This isfor the purpose of regulating the current controlled by the contacts 36,38.

In Figure 6, S is an ordinary control switch in the feed circuit andispermanently closed while the machine is in operation. Referring againto Figure 6, the variable resistance 4| is adjusted to the proper point,so that closing of the contacts 36, 38 partly energizes the solenoid II, and a switch 42 is closed. The variable resistance 49 is setinitially to the speed of the operator. When the key bar I is depressed,the contacts 36, 36 are first closed, so that the current passes, sayfor instance, through wire 43, windings of solenoid II, wire 44,contacts 36, 38, wire 45 through all or a portion of the variableresistance 4!, in accordance with its setting, thence through wire 46 tocontact 41, which is engaged with the switch 42, which is closed, thencethrough wire 48 to return wire. 49. When the key has been depressed farenough to engage the contact 31 with the contact 39 and the operatorcontinues to depress the key, or maintains the follow-up between thecontact 31 and the contact 39, as the contact 39 is moving with thelever 23, the current passes through. wire 43, windings of the solenoidII, wire 44, wire 59, contacts 36, 39, wire 5| variable resistance 49 toreturn wire 49. When, however, the operator becomes very proficient andfast, she may readjust the variable resistance 49 to a point where it iscut out, open the switch 42 and close a switch 52, so that now when thekey lever I is depressed and the followup maintained, the currentpasses, as before, from wire 43, through contacts 36, 38 and 31, 39,wires 45, 5|, wire 46, contact 53, switch member 52 and back to thereturn wire 49, and any portion of the resistance 49 that is cut in.Also, the current passes from the wire 5| to return wire 49 through anyportion, if any of the resistance is cut in. Thus, a very fast andproficient operator, not making mistakes, can speed up the machine bycutting out the resistances 49 and M, so that the machine operatespractically as a usual power machine, with the exception that thefollow-up of the contacts moved by the key lever I and the contactsmovable with the power lever 23 is maintained.

In Figure 2, the motor control means performing the function of thesuccessively operable pairs of contacts 36, 38 and 31, 39 consist of arheostat, the base 55 of which is carried by a part to be moved by themovable member or core I2 of the motor, when the motor is active, andthe contact arm 56 which is actuated by the universal bar 21 through thebracket 28, the arm 56 being carried by the bracket 28. The arm 56 movesprogressively over a. series of contacts 51 connected in the motorcircuit. The arm 56 and the base 55 with its contacts 51 constitutesections of a motor control shiftable respectively with the operated keylever and with the movable member of the motor. During the depression ofa key lever I, the arm 5 thereof actuates the universal bar 21 and thebracket 28 about its pivot 29 in the same manner, as in Figure 1, andthe movement of the bracket or carrier v28 shifts the arm 56 of therheostat 'onto a live contact 51, and as the key is further depressed,moves the arm 56 progressively over the contacts. As the lever or arm23, which actuates the universal bar I4, is moved by the core I2 of thesolenoid, it moves the base 55 with its contacts 51 relatively to thearm 56 in a direction away from the arm 56 in the same manner that inFigure 1 the contacts 31, 39 are moved relatively to the contacts 36,31, unless the key continues to be depressed. Hence,

if the operator hesitates in operating the key, an

additional movement of the lever 23 and the base 55 of the rheostat willcause the rheostat to move relatively to the arm 56 and in effect causea retrograde movement of the arm 56, slowing down or stopping thesolenoid before the type head strikes.

Referring to Figure 7, when a key is depressed and the switch S closed,for the purpose of de- .scription, the current passes through wire 43,

windings of the solenoid I I, wire 44, through arm 56 of the rheostatthrough the first contact 51, thence through wire 5|, to the variableresistance 49 and thence to a return wire 49. As the arm 56 movesprogressively over the contacts 51 of the rheostat, the current suppliedto the windings of the solenoid becomes greater. The variable resistance49 is adjustable to cut in various resistances from zero to maximum, asbefore described. v

In Figure 3, another form of control performing the function of thepairs of contacts 36, 38 and 31, 39 (Figure 1) and rheostat 55, 56(Figure 2) is shown, but operating, in so far as the result isconcerned, on the same principle. The control in Figures 3, 4 and 5consists of a photo-electric cell 69, a lamp 6| arranged to throw a beamof light on the cell 69, and shutters operated by the key levers forcutting off the beam of light striking the cell progressively. Thephoto-electric cell controls switches or relays in the motor circuit.The cell 69 and the lamp 6| constitute one section of a motor controlmovable with some part actuated by the motor or the core I2 thereof, thesame as the contacts 38, 39 (Figure 1) and the rheostat base 55 (Figure2) move with some part actuated by the core I2, and the shutters,another section shiftable by the key lever. As here shown, the cell 69and lamp 6| are carried by crank arms 62 and 63 on the shaft 29, whichshaft also carries the crank arms which carry the universal bar Ii.

In the illustrated embodiment of my invention, there is a shutter foreach key lever, instead of one shutter operated by a universal bar, as21, (Figure 1) common to all the key levers.

64 designates the shutter, this being carried by some part actuated bythe companion key lever I, it being shown in mechanism here illustratedas carried by the arm 5 at the end of the arm 5, and the arm 5(seeconstructions shown in Figures 2 and 4) actuates the shutter,instead of the universal bar 21. The shutter 64 is adjustable intoposition to properly cut through the beam of light to insure the desiredoperation of the relays by the cell 69, and is here shown as connectedto the arm 5 to be adjusted vertically, by an adjusting screw 65extending through the slot 66 in the shutter into the end of the arm 5.The lamp 6| is always illuminated while the machine is in use, and uponthe depression of a key lever, the corresponding arm 5 is actuated tomove its shutter 64 into and across the beam of light from the lamp BI,and partly cuts off the beam to the cell 69, and hence partlydeenergizes the photo-electric cell, so that a weaker current throughthe relays in the motor circuit is supplied to the motor. The currentgradually becomes weaker, as the shutter continues to progressively cutthrough the light beam. Hence, the action of the motor is the same as inthe forms shown in Figures 1 and 3, and the same follow-up or continueddepression of the key lever is required, in order to keep the motorenergized, as the cell 6|] and lamp 6| move with the lever 63,

as the core I2 of the solenoid is actuated by thewindings of thesolenoid. The beam of li ht may be directed or concentrated on the cell60 by a shield, not shown, this being a tube open or slotted on itslower side to permit the shutters to enter it and out off the beam oflight.

In Figure 8, when the switch S is closed and a key le'ver is initiallydepressed and its shutter 64 begins to cut off the-light toa portion orsection 60 of the photo-electric cell 60, the coils 6? of a relay 68 arede-energized, so that its switch arm or core 69 is released, and dropsby gravity and closes the motor feed circuit by bridging contacts I0,II. Upon initial or touch depression of the key lever, the currentpasses through wire I3, the switch S being closed, windings of theysolenoid II, wire M,'variable resistance 6|, wire 4.6, through thebridge or switch 63, wire #2 to return wire I3 of the lamp circuit.

. During further depression of the key lever, its

corresponding shutter 63 progressively cuts ofi the section 60 of thephoto-electric cell 60, so that the coils I4 of the relay I5 arede-energized and the switch arm or armature I6 is released and drops tobridge two contacts 'I'I, I8. Now the current passes through wire 43,windings of the solenoid II, wire 44, wire 5|, bridge IG, through wireI9, variable resistance Mi and return wire 49. The lamp 6| is connectedin the feed circuit through wire 80 and return wire I3. The bridges orrelays 66 and I5 perform the function of the pairs of contacts 36, 38and 31, 39 (Figure 1).

In Figure 5, a construction embodying a photoelectric cell is shown in'which the solenoid is normally energized against the action of a spring,and when the current is weakened through the solenoid by the light beingcut off from the photo-electric cell, when the keyand its shutter isactuated, the force applied to the type bar is that of the spring.

The cores of the solenoids in the constructions shown in Figures 1, 2and 3 are returned to normal positions by the retracting spring 2| forthe universal bar Id.

In Figure 5, 8| designates a spring connected by a link 82 to the coreI2of the solenoid I I. The solenoid is normally energized so that thespring is under tension. The spring acts on the arm 23, which actuatesthe universal bar I4. The photo-electric cell 60 and lamp 6| are mountedthe same as in Figure 4. In operation, when a key lever I is depressed,its corresponding shutter arm 5 moves its shutter into and across thebeam of light from the lamp GI and progressively cuts ofi the beam oflight until the solenoid is so weak, that the spring 8| is free toreact.

Referring to Figure 9, when the switch S is closed and the lamp 6|illuminated and casts its beam on the photo-electric cell 60, thecurrent normally passes through wire 83, binding post 84 of an amplifier85 and out through binding post 86 and return wire 31. The amplifierbuilds up a current suflicient tov energize the solenoid against theaction of the spring 8|. The circuit may be described as follows: Fromterminal 88 of the cell 60 through wire 89, terminal 90 of theamplifier, terminal 9|, thence through wire 92, through the windings ofthe solenoid II,

through wire 93, to terminal 94 of the amplifier,

out through terminal 95 of the amplifier, wire 96 to terminal 91 ofthephoto-electric cell 60-.

As the key lever I and its corresponding'shutter ti lv is actuated bythe touch depression of the keylever, the beam of light striking thecell 60 is partly cut ofi and the output currentof the cell, and hence,the amplifier, weakened.

Continued dipping of the key lever additionally moves the shutter 64through the beam of light, weakening the amplifier and the currentthrough the solenoid, to such an extent that the spring 8| 'is free toreact and actuate the type bar through the mechanism described inconnection with Figure 1. The lamp 6| is normally illuminated through acircuit similar to that shown in Figure 8.

Instead of a construction, such as shown in Figure 1, in which the coreof the-solenoid is returned by a spring or by gravity, when the solenoidis de-energized, or a construction. such as that shown in Figure 5, inwhich the solenoid is normally energized against the action of thespring 8|, the core of the solenoid may be nor- I mally held neutral oridle by balanced solenoids. Such a construction is showndiagrammatically in Figure 10.

' In Figure 10, II and II designate the windings of solenoids balancedor opposed to each other, and I2 the core normally held in neutral oridle position by the balanced coils. The motion of the core istransferred to the type bar 6 through a universal bar I I, as in theconstruc- I tion shown in Figure 1.

In Figure 10,.with the switch S closed, the passage of the current maybe illustratedas follows: through wire IOI, adjustable resistance I02,coils of solenoid I I through return wire I03, en ergizing solenoidwindings II ,'so that they tend to pull the core I2 upward. The solenoidwindings II are energized in opposition to windings of the solenoid I Ithrough the output current of an amplifier controlled by aphoto-electric cell 60, which is energized when the beam of light fromthe lamp BI is striking it. The current passes from terminal I04 of cell60, through wire I05, terminal I06 of the amplifier I01 back through theterminal I08 of the amplifier, through wire I09 to the windings of thesolenoid II, thence through Wire III] to terminal III to the amplifierIIJI to terminal IIZ, wire II3 to the other terminal II I of thephoto-electric cell 60. Thus, normally the amplifier is at full Istrength and sufficient current is supplied to the windings Il tobalance the windings II In order to strike a' balance, the adjustableresistance I02 is provided. When the operator strikes a key lever I, thecorresponding shutter 64 begins to cut ofi the beam of light to the cell60 and cuts it ofi, as the key is depressed. Consequently, the outputcurrent of the amplifier Ill'I is weakened, and hence the windings I Iweakened, so that the windings I I are free to pull up the core I2 andactuate the selected type bar through the universal bar I4 and mechanismshown in Figure 1.

The machine provided in my invention may have any well known escapement,spacing and carriage return mechanism.

In all forms of my invention, the type bar mechanism, instead of beingsuddenly actuated, when the operator starts to depress akey, is actuatedwith the same technique as a manually operable typewriter, giving themetal action of the operator the same opportunity to react in thefingers as in a manually operable typewriter,

so that if the operator inadvertently strikes two keys at the same time,there is an opportunity, due to the mental-reaction, to remove one ofthe fingers, or, if she starts to strike the wrong key, she can removeher fingenbefore the type bar strikes. Usually the typistx knows, aftershe starts, whether or not she is striking the right key, and alsoinstantly knows whenshe inadvertently strikes two keys, one with afingershe has unconsciously not lifted high enough; In the manual machine,there is time to correct such lapses, and in an ordinary power machine,there is no time, as the power acts instantly.

In my machine, there is the same opportunity to correct inadvertentmistakes, as in the manual machine. Also, by my machine, the powerapplied can be regulated to suit the mental reaction and skill of theoperator, and also, an operator can gradually adjust the power machineirom zero to maximum, as she progresses inskill and proficiency in theoperation of the power machine.

What I claim is:

1. In a typewriter mechanism, a plurality of key levers and type barscorresponding thereto, a normally idle motor including a movable member,motion transmitting connections operated thereby for actuating the typebar corresponding to the key lever operated, control means operated bythe key levers including two sections, one section being shiftable bythe operation of a key lever into coaction with the other section, andthe latter section being shiftable in a direction away from the formersection by the movable member of the motor, as said memberis actuated,whereby continued follow-up movement of the key lever is required tokeep the motor energized, feed circuits for the motor in which saidsections are connected, the sections operating to open and close thefeed circuit, one of said sections comprising a source of light and aphotoelectric cell located in the beamof light, and relays in the feedcircuit operated by the photoelectric cell, and the other sectionincluding shutter means operated by the key levers when operated, forcutting ofl the beam of light, as a key is depressed, and therebycutting down the output of the photo-electric cell circuit to therelays.

2. In a typewriter mechanism, a plurality of key levers and type barscorresponding thereto, a normally idle motor including a movable member, motion transmitting connections operated thereby for actuating thetype bar corresponding to the key lev'er operated, control meansoperated by the key levers including two sections, one section beingshiftable by the operation of a key lever into coaction with the othersection, and the latter section being shiftable in a direction away fromthe former section by the movable member of the motor, as said member isactuated, whereby continued follow-up movement of the key lever isrequired to keep the motor energized, feed circuits for the motor inwhich said sections are connected, the sections operating to open andclose the feed circuit, motion transmitting connections betweeneach keylever and the corresponding-type bar including a lostmotion-connectionbetween the key lever and the type bar to bring said control parts intocoaction, before motion is transmitted from the key lever to the typebar.

3. In a typewriter mechanism, a plurality of key levers and type bars, anormally idle motor including a movable member, motion transmittingconnections between the motor member and the type bars including membersoperated respectively by the key levers, and means operated by the touchdepression of the key levers for causing the motor tobe partly energizedinsuiiiciently to fully actuate the type bar, and to be furtherenergized sufficiently to actuate the selected type bar upon furtherdepression of the key lever.

4. In a typewriter mechanism, a plurality of key levers and type barscorresponding thereto, a normally idle motor including a movable member,motion transmitting connections between the motor member and the typebar including coupling members operated respectively by the key levers,and a universal bar common to all of said coupling members and connectedto the motor member to be operated thereby, said coupling members beingnormally out of position to coact with the universal bar and movableinto such position by the depression of the key levers, and a movableuniversal bar common to all the key levers operable by any one of them,and a control forthe motor including two sections, one movable by thelast named universal bar into and out of engagement with the othersection, and the other section being shiftable with the movable motormember, as it is actuated in a direction away from the former section.

5. In a typewriter mechanism, a plurality of key levers and type barscorresponding thereto, a normally idle electric motor including amovable member, motion transmitting connections between the motor andthe type bars including coupling members operated respectively by thekey levers, and a universal bar common to all of said coupling membersand connected to the motor member to be operated thereby, said couplingmembers being normally out of position to coact with the universal barand movable into such position by the depression of the key levers, feedcircuits for the motor, a plurality of successively operated normallyopen switch members in said circuits, and means operated by ony one ofthe key levers for closing the switch members progressively.

6. In a typewriter mechanism, a plurality of key levers and type barscorresponding thereto, a normally idle electric motor, motiontransmitting connections between the motor and the type bars includingcoupling members normally out of, and operated into, coupling positionby the key levers respectively, a unlversal bar common to all of saidmembers and connected to the motor to be operated thereby, a pluralityof successively' operated normally open switches, and a universal barcommon to all of the key levers to be operated thereby for closing theswitches successively, the motor having feed circuits in whichtlieswitches are connected, the first switch being operable by the initialtouch depression of the key levers to close' one feed circuit to supplya weak current to the motor insuflicient to positively actuate the typebars and the successive switch being operable to cut in the strongercurrent in the motor circuit suflicient to actuate the motor and thetype bars, and motion transmitting connections between the key leversand the type bars to actuate the type bars independently of the motor.

'7. In a typewriter mechanism, aplurality of key levers and type barscorresponding thereto,

out of, and operated into, coupling position by the key leversrespectively, a universal bar common to all of said members andconnected to the motor to be operated thereby, a plurality ofsuccessively operated normally open relays, and a universal bar commonto all of the key levers to be operated thereby for closing the relayssuccessively, the motor having feed circuits in which the relays areconnected, the first relay being operable by the initial touchdepression of the key levers to close one feed circuit to supply a weakcurrent to the motor insufiicient to positlvely actuate the type barsand a successive relay being operable to cut in the stronger current inthe motor circuit suiiicient to actuate the motor and the type bars, andmotion transmitting connections between the key levers and the type barsto actuate the type bars independently of the motor, and a variableresistance in themotor circuit.

8. In a typewriter mechanism, a plurality of key levers and .type barscorresponding thereto, a normally idle motor including a movable member,motion transmitting connections operated thereby for actuating the typebar corresponding to the key lever operated, and control means operatedby the key levers for progressively energizingthe motor as the keylevers are depressed.

9. In a typewriter mechanism, a plurality of key levers and type barscorresponding thereto, a normally idle electric motor including amovable member, a feed circuit in which the motor is connected, motiontransmitting mechanism operated by the movable member for actuating thetype bar corresponding to the key lever operated, means forprogressively controlling the flow of current through the feed circuitto progressively energize the motor, said means being operated. by thekey levers and controlling the flow of current to the motor inaecordance'with the amount of movement given a key lever.

.10. In a typewriter mechanism, a plurality of key levers and type barscorresponding thereto, a normally idle electric motor including amovable member, a feed circuit in which the motor is connected, motiontransmitting mechanism operated by the movable member for actuating thetype bar corresponding to the key lever operated, means for controllingthe flow of current through the feed circuit to progressively energizethe motor, said means including a movable switch member operated by thekey levers in accordance with the amount of movement given the keylevers and operating to out in additional current in the feed circuit,as a key lever is depressed. 1

11. In a typewriter mechanism, a plurality of I key levers and type barscorresponding thereto, a normally idle motor including a movable member,motion transmitting connections operated thereby for actuating the typebar corresponding to the key lever operated, motion transmit.- tingconnections between the key levers and the type bars, whereby the typebars are actuated by the key levers, and control means operated by thekey levers for progressively energizing the motor, as the key levers aredepressed, whereby the motor and connections operated thereby serve as abooster to the force applied by the key levers to the type bars.

12. In a typewriter mechanism, a plurality of key levers and type barscorresponding thereto, a normally idle motor including a movable member,motion transmitting mechanism operated thereby for actuating the typebars including coupling members operated respectively by the key leversinto coupling position, motion transmitting connections between the keylevers and the type bars to actuate the type bars from the key levers,the coupling members being connected to the motion transmittingconnections, and control means operated by the key levers forprogressively energizing the motor, as the key levers are depressed.

13. In a typewriter mechanism, a plurality of key levers and type barscorresponding thereto, a normally idle electric motor including amovable member, a feed circuit in which the motor is connected, motiontransmitting connections between the key levers and the type bars foractuating the type bars, as the key levers are depressed, motiontransmitting means operated by the movable motor member for actuatingthe type bar corresponding to the key lever operated through the motiontransmitting connections, and means for progressively increasing theflow of current to the feed circuit to progressively energize the motor,said means being operated by the key levers, as a key lever is dippedand in accordance with the amount of dip given to the key lever.

14. In a typewriter mechanism, a plurality of key levers and type barscorresponding thereto,.

motion transmitting connections between the key levers and the typebars, whereby the type bars are actuated by the key levers, a normallyidle motor including a movable member, motion transmitting connectionsoperated thereby for actuating the type bar corresponding to the keylever operated and including couplings controlled by the key leversrespectively, and control means operated by the key levers forenergizing the motor as the key levers are depressed, whereby the motorand connections operated thereby serve as a booster to the force appliedto the type bar by the key lever.

, 15. In a typewriter mechanism, a plurality of key levers and type barscorresponding thereto, motion transmitting connections between the keylevers and the companion type bars to normally actuate the type bars, anormally idle motor including a movable member, motion transv actuatingthe type bar corresponding to the key lever operated through a portionof the former motion transmitting connections, control means operatedby-the key levers including two sections, one section being shiitable bythe operation of a key lever into coaction with the other section, andthe latter section being shiftable in a direction away from the formersection by the movable member of the motor, as said member is actuated,whereby continued follow-up movement of the key lever is required tokeep the motor energized, and feed circuits for the motor. in which saidsections are connected, the sections operating to open and close thefeed circuit.

1'7. In a typewriter mechanism, key levers and ment of the key levers,whereby substantially the full dip of the key lever operated is requiredto completely operate the type bar by the power mechanism.

18. In a typewriter mechanism, key levers and type bars correspondingthereto, motion-transmitting connections between the key levers and thetype bars, and power mechanism including motion-transmitting connectionsfor actuating the type bar corresponding to the key lever actuatedthrough a portion of the former motiontransmitting connections betweenthe key lever and the type bar, means controlling the operation of thepower-operated connections of said power mechanism, the controllingmeans being operable by any one of the key levers, said controllingmeans including two sections, one shiftable by the operation of the keylever into co-action with the other section and the latter section beingshiftable in a direction away from the former section by the operationof the power mechanism so that a continued follow-up movement of the keylever is required to keep the sections engaged and the power mechanismin effective operation.

. HERBERT E. PAGE.

